ZONING APPLICATIONS

General Information About Zoning Applications

Zoning practices in our country include legal and administrative processes that regulate city and regional planning, construction, land use, construction projects and other urban development activities. Here is some basic information about current zoning practices in Turkey:

  • Zoning Plans: In Turkey, zoning plans are used to regulate and control urban development. Zoning plans are official documents that determine the current status and future use of a region or district. Development plans are prepared at 1/5000, 1/1000 and 1/500 scales and approved by local governments.
  • 1/5000 scale Master Development Plan: Determines the general use, building density, green areas, transportation network and other basic features of a region.
  • 1/1000 scale Implementation Zoning Plan: It regulates the objectives and principles determined in the Master Zoning Plan in more detail. It includes details such as subdivision, road network, building heights and usage areas.
  • 1/500 scale Building Implementation Development Plan: Determines the parceling, construction order and location of the buildings. Construction projects are carried out according to this plan.

  • Zoning Status and Zoning Peace: In Turkey, there have been some problems regarding the zoning situation and the Zoning Peace application has been initiated in order to solve these problems. Zoning Peace is an opportunity to register illegal or unlicensed buildings and solve zoning problems. Citizens can achieve zoning peace by registering their illegal or unlicensed buildings within a certain period of time.
  • Construction License: It is mandatory to obtain a license for construction projects in Turkey. The construction permit is issued by the competent municipality or relevant public institutions. The permit certifies that the project complies with codes and building standards. Constructions carried out without obtaining a building permit may not be legal and may result in a demolition decision.
  • Construction Inspection: In Turkey, construction projects are inspected during the construction phase. Construction inspection includes consideration of building safety, compliance with technical standards, compliance with the zoning plan and environmental factors. Inspections are carried out by the relevant municipality or authorized inspection organizations. Regular inspection of construction ensures that the structure is completed safely, soundly and in accordance with standards.
  • Building Occupancy Permit: After a building is completed, the owner or authorized person must obtain a building occupancy permit (occupancy certificate). The building occupancy permit is issued after the construction is completed, inspected for compliance with building standards and building safety. This document indicates that the building is officially available and can be used for residential or commercial purposes.

  • Urban Transformation: Turkey is carrying out important work regarding the renovation of risky buildings and urban transformation projects. Urban transformation aims to transform buildings that are at risk of earthquakes or that are not suitable for living standards and replace them with modern, safe and sustainable buildings. These projects are carried out in cooperation between local governments, relevant public institutions and citizens.
  • Plan Change and Zoning Amnesty: In Turkey, zoning plans may be subject to changes from time to time. In line with needs and urban developments, existing development plans can be revised or new plans can be made. In addition, in some cases, regulations such as zoning amnesty are made to legalize buildings that meet certain conditions or to solve zoning problems.

Zoning applications can be complex and processes may differ depending on local governments, relevant institutions and legal regulations. Therefore, we welcome you to our office to get more detailed information about zoning applications and provide correct guidance.

Contact us for more information.